The 2022 Game Awards showcased the very best in games as well as new projects that will grace the screens of gamers in the future.FromHades 2toJudas, the event was a glimpse of what’s to come, and one game grabbed the attention of many when the colorful, anime-ish trailer began.Blue Protocollooked immediately familiar to fans ofTales, but its art style didn’t tell the whole story. It is the latest offering fromAmazonGames, as the tech and retail giant continues to try and enter the gaming space. This time it feels different, though, as echoing the past would be a significant misstep, and further indication that the Seattle-based company isn’t cut out for the medium.
The announcement forBlue Protocoldidn’t give away too much, but whetted the appetite of gamers who find enjoyment in fantasy settings and cartoonish visuals. It’s an MMORPG that will be free-to-play when it launches in the latter half of 2023, and while this may be cause for hesitation, the right wheels are in motion to ensure it is something positive that can stand the test of time. OtherAmazonprojects didn’t do this (at least not up to the expected standard) despite desperate efforts for the likes ofLost ArkandNew Worldto be a success, yetBlue Protocoldoesn’t seem to be destined for the same short-lived fate.
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Amazon is Using Bandai Namco’s Expertise
Amazon has brought in the help of Bandai Namco forBlue Protocol, a company that has plenty of great games developed and published in its extensive catalog. From publishingthe likes ofNi No KuniandDark Soulsto creating franchises likeTalesandSoulcalibur, the company is revered in gaming and has a plethora of diverse and well-loved titles under its belt. Given the tone and aesthetics ofBlue Protocol’s trailer, it seems like a natural fit for Amazon to partner with Bandai Namco, as it has been so successful for a long time and has experience in the RPG genre.
The partnership between Amazon and Bandai Namcois also a sufficient way to garner interest among fans, as the latter’s logo is often a sign of quality, which heightens anticipation. It’s a promising sign that the gameplay will be refined and the presentation value will be high. It’s the first major video game where Amazon has enlisted the help of a true juggernaut, and ifBlue Protocolfails the blame will also be spread to Bandai Namco, meaning it’s in the best interest of both parties that it doesn’t repeat Amazon’s past hiccups.
Blue Protocol Could Learn from Amazon’s Past Mistakes
Popular steaming platform Twitch is owned by Amazon, and thelack of confidence in 2021’sNew Worldfrom content creatorson the site stunted its popularity massively, meaning there was limited anticipation prior to release. Amazon knows this, and will surely be eager to find new and innovative ways to makeBlue Protocola more long-lasting and engaging experience to not only play, but watch others enjoy, too. The new game may pick up a handful of problems, but the proof was in the pudding withNew World’s largely non-existent Twitch exposure, soBlue Protocolpicking up the same issues would be unlikely.
Blue Protocolis another attempt forAmazon Games, and the more that its efforts prove ineffective the more people will start to think that entering the gaming space is a lost cause. Early promotional material is positive, though, and failure is often a critical step toward success. Amazon needsBlue Protocolto be the best product yet, and its partnership with Bandai Namco as well as its previous experience means the 2023 release does not seem destined to go back down the dismal, disappointing, and well trodden path that other Amazon Games waded.
Blue Protocollaunches 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
